Evaluate: Thornbury Citadel Resort and Eating place, close to Bristol, UK

In 2021, The Occasions topped Thornbury Citadel Resort as Britain’s Best possible Romantic Resort. Visitors time trip again to Tudor days, to a citadel that used to be as soon as Henry Vlll’s nation break out, for an imposing style of Renaissance residing.

Sleep regally within the octagonal Henry Vlll suite, the place he and Anne Boleyn stayed for 10 days in 1535 while looking forward to Bristol’s plague to impede. Climb the 77 steps to the fairy story Catherine of Aragon tower with its 10 ft vast mattress. Or loosen up in any of the opposite  25 fantastically curated bedchambers. Recalling palatial Tudor residing, Thornbury has luxurious bedchambers fairly than rooms.

Begun in 1510 by way of Edward Stafford, the 3rd Duke of Buckingham, Thornbury Citadel used to be nearing final touch when Henry appropriated it after the he had Stafford performed for treason in 1521.

The welcome

With simply 27 bedchambers, the welcome is heat and private. First, we’re proven the living room, the place afternoon tea is being served, after which the library which ends up in the bar.

Our baggage is taken around the courtyard lawn to our bedchamber and coffee arched doors are identified. No marvel that Henry Vlll ceaselessly had a sore head. At 6’2” he used to be an enormous of a Tudor.

The bedchamber

Underneath a bushes beamed ceiling and glinting chandelier, the massive Mary Queen of Scot’s bedchamber has armchairs, dressing desk, chests of drawers, hearth and tapestry.

Our view is around the rose-gardened courtyard to an oriel window that used to be a part of Stafford’s first ground lodging. Above is a crimson brick chimney from 1514 that predates Hampton Courtroom’s chimneys by way of a yr.

Even if there may be numerous uncovered stonework throughout the citadel’s 4 ft thick partitions, the bedchamber, with chandelier-style wall lighting casting heat swimming pools of sunshine, and acres of fitted carpet, is strangely snug.

Thornbury’s homeowners have discreetly presented recent comforts: a refrigerator hidden away at the back of the darkish wooden marquetry, a tv full of data at the belongings and call charging issues by way of the mattress. Large 4 poster beds are designed for contemporary folks, now not vertically challenged Tudors. Each and every bedchamber is known as after a outstanding Tudor persona, a forged record that incorporates Henry’s six better halves.  Inside of a gilded body, the tale of Mary Queen of Scots’ bothered existence is informed. Embroiled in catholic / protestant strife and euro energy politics, she used to be imprisoned for 19 years earlier than her execution.

The toilet

A hobbit-sized door leads thru a mini-corridor of in-built wardrobes right into a twin side toilet. Picket shutters maintain privateness.

Even right here you can not break out historical past and the legacy of Stafford’s ego. His sealed knot coat of hands is etched into the glass of the showered door and embroidered at the flannels.

The amenities

Thornbury’s 3 AA Rosette eating place attracts in foodies from afar. From the instant visitors sit down within the historic-tomed library or by way of the log-fire toasted front room for beverages, this can be a regal eating revel in. The black-tailed maitre d’ sashays between bar and eating places making sure that his waistcoated team of workers, immaculate in white shirt and black ties, supply slick provider.

A portrait of Henry Vlll, in that well-known legs astride dominating pose, appears out over one of the most two eating rooms. Although he would now not approve of Government Chef Carl Cleghorn’s gentle and complicated menu regardless of the superlative sourcing and eye-pleasing presentation.

Henry used to be extra a half-a-roast-boar glutton than a mild braised shin of pork gourmet. Pan roasted halibut with salt cod mash, BBQ gem lettuce, brown shrimp and mussels would had been a ways too subtle for the monarch’s tastes. And what would had been the risky carnivore’s response to spiced quinoa?

In the case of amenities, there isn’t a unmarried cardio-machine at Thornbury Citadel nor a swimming pool for laps. However in a nod to twenty first century indulgence there’s a menu of stress-free massages to be had.

Differently, actions are distinctly Tudor. Archery, croquet or falconry at the garden. A stroll in the course of the Goodly Lawn the place the women as soon as accrued to gossip by way of the skep straw bee hives, among the quince and strawberry bushes. Or a walk in the course of the labyrinth the place they will have mentioned who would be successful Anne Boleyn as Queen. A trifling 10 months after her Thornbury keep Anne used to be useless. Beheaded.

The positioning

Overlooking the Severn Estuary, Thornbury is inside of a brief pressure of Bristol for visits to the Clifton Suspension Bridge, the redeveloped docks and Brunel’s SS Nice Britain.

A moderately longer pressure takes visitors to Tub with its grandiose Regency structure and Jane Austen legacy.

Different great touches

A decanter of sloe gin, distilled in the community, makes for a calming nightcap.

Recalling a bygone age of provider, early morning tea and low will also be delivered. Despite the fact that there’s a very spectacular tea and low tray, together with a copper cafetière throughout the bedchamber.

No characterless, tepid breakfast buffet right here. Piping sizzling breakfasts are freshly cooked to reserve. Neither is the tea from an electrical mechanical device. The aristocratic tea menu contains possible choices of Halmari Property Assam and Himalayan Darjeeling. Understand that each decaf tea and low are to be had.

For a singular birthday party of a special day, you’ll be able to guide a personal dinner within the dungeon.

The price

Bedchamber charges start from £299. For dinner, 3 lessons from the a l. a. carte menu prices £59.

The most efficient bit

Ebook a excursion with a historian to be informed how the Stafford’s family members with King Henry Vlll had been a microcosm of the Tudor length: energy, warfare and beheadings. Through the top of Henry’s reign in 1547, executions had decimated the Stafford circle of relatives tree.

With stone from his Cotswold quarries, Edward Stafford, designed a grand citadel that used to be additionally a palace arrogantly exulting his standing. His identify and titles are displayed  above the gate, his sealed knot heraldic crests carved right through the valuables.

As England’s 2nd richest guy, descended from Edward lll, he idea he had a greater declare to the throne than his cousin, Henry Vlll. As historian David Starkey has written, Stafford slightly bent his knee for Henry. That used to be till Henry lured Stafford to London and had him beheaded in 1521.

The general verdict

An enchanting perception into Tudor occasions with recent regal comforts. There’s a helicopter pad for individuals who trip from afar for chef Carl Cleghorn’s very good fare.

Disclosure: Our keep used to be backed by way of Thornbury Citadel Resort and Eating place .

Michael Edwards

Michael Edwards is a trip creator from Oxfordshire, UK. Even if Michael had his first trip items revealed just about 4 many years in the past, he’s nonetheless discovering new luxurious locations to talk over with and write on.